Chicken Divan is a timeless casserole that brings comfort and flavor to any dinner table. This classic dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a crispy, buttery crust. Its ease of preparation and delightful taste make it a favorite among families. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, Chicken Divan is sure to impress.

The beauty of Chicken Divan lies not just in its deliciousness but also in its simplicity. It’s a wonderful way to use up ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, and it’s versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences with a few modifications.

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Ingredients Overview

The success of Chicken Divan hinges on the quality of its ingredients. You’ll need 2 lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Prepare one diced yellow onion and one diced stick of celery for added flavor and texture. The recipe also calls for 4 cups of broccoli florets, roughly half a pound, to add a nutritious green component. For the creamy sauce, gather 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a 10.5 oz. can of cream of chicken soup, 2/3 cup of sour cream, and ½ cup of milk. To enhance the flavor, you’ll need ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. To achieve the signature cheesy goodness, use 2 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. For the topping, prepare ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs, along with 2 tablespoons of butter.

Choosing the Best Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts to ensure tenderness and flavor. When selecting broccoli, choose vibrant green florets that are firm to the touch. Using freshly shredded cheddar cheese can elevate the dish with its superior melting quality and taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor. Dice the yellow onion and celery, and prepare the broccoli florets by cutting them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables Together: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated in the melted butter. Sauté for about 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to start cooking and the vegetables to soften slightly. Next, add the broccoli florets and a tablespoon of olive oil. Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender yet crisp. Remove the pot from heat.

Mixing in the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.

Assembling the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top to create a luscious, cheesy layer.

Baking Instructions and Tips: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

How to Cut Chicken for Best Results: Slice the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: Add the broccoli towards the end of the sautéing process to maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its nutritional value.
Substitutions and Variations: For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version for a more wholesome option. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. This helps maintain the dish’s moisture and prevents it from drying out.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Chicken Divan pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile choice for any meal.

Best Side Dishes to Complement Chicken Divan: Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread or dinner rolls can also be a delightful addition.
Suggested Serving Styles: Enjoy Chicken Divan over a bed of fluffy rice, buttery biscuits, or creamy mashed potatoes. Each option offers a different texture and flavor that complements the dish wonderfully.
Beverage Pairing Suggestions: Pair this savory casserole with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For non-alcoholic options, consider serving with iced tea or a light, refreshing lemonade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Chicken Divan: Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Troubleshooting Common Issues: If your casserole turns out too watery, ensure your broccoli is thoroughly drained before adding it. Using a thicker cream of chicken soup can also help achieve the right consistency.
Tips for Making Ahead and Freezing: You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day. To freeze, assemble the casserole without the topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping just before baking.

Chicken Divan is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and sure to please any crowd. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy topping make it a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness it brings to your table.

Ingredients

2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, see notes
Salt/Pepper, to taste
1 yellow onion, diced
1 stick celery, diced
4 cups broccoli florets, about ½ lb.
2 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon olive oil
10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
2/3 cup sour cream
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon mustard powder
2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Topping

½ cup crushed Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs
2 Tablespoons butter

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and chicken pieces, tossing to coat evenly. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the chicken is partially cooked. Then, add the broccoli florets and a tablespoon of olive oil. Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. Remove from heat.

Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.

Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This dish is perfect when served over rice, biscuits, or mashed potatoes.